Photos: 21 oldest roller coasters in the world

Built in 1902 at Lakemont Park in Altoona, Pa., the Leap-the-Dips figure-eight wooden coaster was closed in 1986 and saved from demolition before reopening in 1999.

Built in 1902 at Lakemont Park in Altoona, Pa., the Leap-the-Dips figure-eight wooden coaster was closed in 1986 and saved from demolition before reopening in 1999. (National Registry of Historic Places)

Here's my list of the 21 oldest operating roller coasters in the world, according to information compiled by Roller Coaster Database and American Coaster Enthusiasts. Most of the coasters were built in the 1920s during the "Golden Age of Roller Coasters" or earlier. -- Brady MacDonald